This is a rare .44 caliber cannon screw barrel of 3 1/2 inches with London proof marks and Thomas Ketland's proof on the underside. Thomas Ketland & Co. was a gun maker founded in Birmingham, England around 1760. Thomas Sr. was a very successful gun maker who started his business around 1760 and expanded into the export market around 1790. He died in 1816.
This unique pistol from the late 1800 has a converted percussion box lock action with a stunning scroll engraving on the right and a signature etching of "Ketland" on the opposite. The banner is beautifully visible. The trigger guard bow is inscribed with flower in addition to a rich walnut grip and a silver wire scroll inlays. The full face of a man is masterfully engraved on the lower part of the grip.
The condition of this antique pistol is grated, good. The action is strong. The engraving is slightly worn. The grip has some shrinkage around action with some loose and missing silver wire inlay.
This rare .44 caliber conversion pistol from Ketland measures 7.67 inches or 19.5 cm.
GU-002